Is Coffee good for you?

Many ideas exist about the benefits and negative effects of Coffee. Based on research findings, we examine the effects of drinking coffee, including caffeinated, decaffeinated, instant coffee, and freshly ground.

How much caffeine is in coffee?

On average, the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee is 94.8mg. Experts state that the recommended daily limit is around 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. Therefore, 4-5 cups per day of coffee is ok.

Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. For example, doctors often advise pregnant women to avoid coffee.

Does coffee dehydrate you?

Coffee when drank normally is highly unlikely to dehydrate you. The diuretic effects of coffee only happen on a short-term basis, and mainly for high-caffeine coffee types. In contrast, coffee can be hydrating, as it contains lots of water, and counts towards your daily water intake.

Is coffee a laxative?

To an extent, coffee is a laxative.

Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee increase a hormone called gastrin. This hormone causes the muscles in the stomach to contract. As a result, it leads to bowel movements. Coffee also boosts a hormone called cholecystokinin, which helps the digestive process.

If you require a laxative treatment, we recommend getting an appointment with your doctor.

Does coffee raise blood pressure?

Does coffee bring up blood pressure? Experts say that consuming small amounts of coffee is acceptable, but excessive coffee consumption can elevate blood pressure. Studies have shown that coffee can increase blood pressure by blocking a hormone that widens blood vessels. To reduce the risk of a heart attack or other health conditions, it's best to limit your coffee intake.

Types of Coffee

So far, we've spoken about the advantages and disadvantages of regular coffee. Next, we discuss different types of coffee, and whether they can be a good choice for your diet.

Is decaf coffee bad for you?

Decaf coffee can be a great choice for the benefits of coffee without the negative side effects of caffeine. Benefits include reducing the risk of increasing blood pressure, and a safer choice if you are pregnant. Decaf coffee is a good alternative to caffeinated drinks if you're on certain medications, arrange an appointment with your doctor to see if it's right for you.

Is black coffee good for you?

This might be surprising for some, but black coffee without added sugar can be one of the healthier drinks to consume. Black coffee has been said to reduce cancer risks, including liver cancers, and type 2 diabetes.

How many coffees a day?

Bottom line - we would recommend keeping to less than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee a day. This helps you stay under the caffeine limit, avoid strong laxative effects, and can prevent the risk of high blood pressure.

Remember, everyone is unique. Pay attention to how your body reacts to varying amounts of coffee.


Whether you drink your coffee black, caffeinated or decaffeinated, remember to post it to Food Story!